Honda has ridden away with the title of Britain’s favorite motorcycle according to a poll taken by a popular riding magazine in the United kingdom.

The latest model of Honda’s legendary Fireblade supersports machine has been voted Britain’s favorite motorcycle, in RiDE Magazine’s annual ‘RiDER Power’ survey.

RiDER Power 2008 is the UK’s largest biking survey and asks motorcycle owners a variety of questions about their machines and riding kit. According to the RiDER Power survey results, the new-for-2008 CBR1000RR Fireblade has become Britain’s favorite bike and scored an impressive 92.19% satisfaction rating, showing that the people who bought it are delighted with its accessible power, sharp handling, outstanding build quality and overall usability. Honda’s ST1300 Pan European also featured in the top five, with a satisfaction rating of 88.53% overall.

RiDE Magazine’s Editor, Colin Overland explained: More than 7,000 people voted in the survey, which gets owners to rate their bike on everything from its engine and handling to its mirrors and pillion comfort. The survey is traditionally topped by tourers and sports tourers, but this year, the all-round brilliance of Honda’s Fireblade knocked BMW off the top spot. Honda’s ST1300 Pan European also claimed a coveted spot in the top five.

As RiDE Magazine states, the Fireblade delivers that most elusive of all things: rider satisfaction. But unlike other bikes in RiDER Power that score highly on that front, it isn’t let down by the important stuff - like reliability and build quality. And commenting on the Pan European, RiDE said, The Pan is a rider’s bike - that’s why even six year’s after release, it’s still a RiDER Power favorite.

The company should be used to such awards for it’s 2008 Honda Fireblade. It won Fast Bikes’ Sports Bike of the Year award as well as Motor Cycle News’ liter-bike sports shootout. A near-to-stock version of the machine has also won this year’s British Superstock 1000 Championship in the hands of HM Plant Honda rider, Steve Brogan, with just 100 limited edition ‘winning yellow’ Fireblades now available in commemoration of the Honda rider’s British Superstock Championship title victory.

Honda Motorcycles’ General Manager, Steve Martindale, commented, The new-for-2008 Fireblade has had a fantastic year, not only in terms of sales but also in how highly it has been acclaimed by the industry, media and riders of all abilities, both for its looks and performance. With a vast number of motorcycle models out there, we feel very proud to know that the public have voted the Honda Fireblade as Britain’s favourite bike and also the ST1300 Pan European in the top five, but we’re also pleased to know that Honda is making motorcycles that fulfil what our customers want and desire as well.

Not surprisingly, the latest CBR1000RR Fireblade is the UK’s best selling motorcycle of 2008. The full results of the RiDER Power survey 2008 can be seen in the November issue of RiDE magazine, on sale now in Britain.

This article was taken from: Clutch & Chrome

New Crescent Suzuki British Superbike signing, Sylvain Guintoli, completed a successful first test on the 2008 GSX-R1000 at Brands Hatch today, declaring Suzuki’s Superbike an ‘impressive package’, having finished racing in MotoGP only last month.

The 26-year-old Frenchman, completed 88 laps around the Brands Hatch Indy circuit, getting used to the GSX-R1000 Superbike that took outgoing team rider Tom Sykes, to multiple race wins earlier this year.

Talking about his first Superbike outing, Guintoli commented, “Today has been a very positive first ride for me. It was not about setting lap times, but more about getting used to the characteristics of a Superbike. Having not raced at Brands Hatch before there was quite alot to take in, but I still managed to end the day feeling very comfortable. The GSX-R1000 is an impressive package and I’m now very eager to start the new season with Crescent Suzuki.”

With the team currently developing the all-new 2009 GSX-R1000, Guintoli’s next test will be on-board the new bike in Spain early next year.

Crescent Suzuki Team Manager, Jack Valentine added, “We’ve all been impressed by Sylvain’s attitude and ability to switch so easily to the Superbike today. While he’s had to ride the 2008 model, it gives us all a good base to start with, before we commence track tests on the 2009 bike.”

This article was taken from: superbike-news.co.uk

Parker’s used price range £870-4,725
Engine size 918cc
Power 128bhp
Top speed 160mph
Insurance group 17

The motorcycle that changed how sports motorcycles were built. The Honda CBR900RR FireBlade wiped the floor with its competitor motorcycles not by being more powerful (it wasn’t) but by being lighter. Rivals were all well over 200kg, the first Honda CBR900RR FireBlade was just 185kg which made it perform superbly. It’s still a wild ride and a surprisingly practical motorcycle too.

Engine: Proven technology made lightweight - very much the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade’s philosophy. It worked extremely well. The in-line four, 16 valve, liquid cooled engine in the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade grew from 893cc to 918cc by 1998 but it always set the motorcycle alight with plenty of power at any revs and a dab of character too.

Ride And Handling: The Honda CBR900RR was labeled dangerously fast steering when it was launched - but times have moved on and modern motorcycles are much more flighty. The 16 front wheel gives an unusual feel and somewhat limits tyre choice - a 17″ wheel from a Honda VFR750F-V goes straight in without needing new spacers. Brakes work well if in good condition.

Equipment: Like any minimalist sports motorcycle there’s few luxuries on the Honda CBR900RR Fireblade. But the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade has a couple of surprises up its sleeve. First it’s not uncomfortable or cramped - even pillion accommodation is good if a grab rail is added. Also there’s an excellent ‘boot’ luggage space under the rear seat.

Quality And Reliability: Despite making a motorcycle with revolutionary light weight, Honda didn’t cut corners in terms of quality. Honda CBR900RR FireBlades can easily run to 100,000 miles with routine maintenance. Problems with used motorcycle will be caused by neglect, crash damage or thieves so check thoroughly for all those when looking at a Honda CBR900RR FireBlade.

Value: The Honda CBR9000RR was the best motorcycle in its day and still a superb buy on the used market. Some rivals are cheaper but buy a clean, straight used Honda CBR900RR FireBlade and you can’t go wrong. Depreciation shouldn’t be massive and the early ’round eye’ 1992 and 1993 Honda CBR900RR FireBlades look like becoming collectors items.

Insurance: Insurance group: 17

Model History: 1992: Honda CBR900RR launched.
1994: Updated Honda CBR900RR FireBlade with fox eye faired in headlights, RR logo on the tail unit, electric speedo, minor gearbox mods and more.
1996: More updates including 918.5cc engine, dual slits on each side of tail unit, power up from 122bhp to 126, weight down from 185kg to 183.
1998: New plastics, power up to 128bhp, weight down to 180kg, more comfortable too.

This article was taken from: Motorcycle News

New price £7,499
Parker’s used price range £1,285-4,630
Engine size 955cc
Power 147bhp
Top speed 165mph
Insurance group 15

The Triumph Daytona 955i is an extremely rapid, sweet handling superbike. Unfortunately it was about four years too late in a fiercely competitive class. The R1, GSX-R1000 and FireBlade are lighter and faster. The Triumph Daytona 955i’s saving grace is its character from its gruff three-cylinder engine, distinctive understated looks and the fact few riders can use anything like all the performance any of these motorcycles offer.

Engine: Love the Triumph Daytona 955i’s syncopated rumble at tickover - and there’s no shortage of low down drive. As it builds more power comes rushing and rushing until almost too soon it’s time to change up a gear. The Triumph Daytona’s triple can never match the Japanese fours for top end power but it aces them on personality and sound. It’s motorcycling aural poetry with a race can.

Ride And Handling: Ride the Triumph Daytona 955i on the road and you’ll be hard pushed to fault it. Likewise on a race track. But try it back to back with the lighter, more powerful Japanese competition and the Triumph Daytona 955i feels slightly crude by comparison. Still a thrilling, rapid motorcycle and plenty stable enough for uneven uk roads. Brakes superb if in good condition.

Equipment: With the Triumph Daytona 955i there are few luxuries but that’s par for the course. Comfort’s not bad - much better than some of the more extreme motorcycles like Honda’s CBR1000RR and the early ZX-10R. You can tour quite well one-up on the Triumph Daytona 955i too. The headlights are ace, mirrors are pants. Loads of official extras include alarm, luggage rack, grab rail and a high-level silencer.

Quality And Reliability: Problems with the Triumph Daytona T595 and early T955s had been ironed out by the time the Daytona 955i was released. Triumph finish seems to be more durable than on Japanese motorcycles although when the crinkly black surfaces start to go, they deteriorate fast. Owners tend to be more mature than other big sports motorcycles too which is a plus.

Value: At the end of its life the Triumph Daytona 955i had a bargain new price. Used motorcycles hold their money pretty well but it’s often justified by excellent condition. The Triumph Daytona 955i is an insurance group lower than almost every other motorcycle in the class (two lower than some) which can make a huge difference. Triumph’s own insurance scheme can be reasonable too - reason alone to buy one if you’re deemed a high-risk.

Insurance: Insurance group: 15

Model History: 1997: Triumph Daytona T595 launched.
1998: Uprated camshafts.
1999: Replaced by Triumph Daytona 955i.
2001: Major update from previous 955i.
2004: Headlights, fairing, tail section and clocks re-styled.
2006: Single sided swing arm, minor engine mods and smoother gear change. Model discontinued at end of year.

Other Versions: Triumph Daytona 955i Centennial: 2001-2003. Single sided swing arm, green only, special badges.
Triumph Daytona 955i Special Edition: 2003-2004. All black paintwork, frame and wheels.

This article was taken from: Motorcycle News

New price £4,699
Parker’s used price range £1,765-3,490
Engine size 600cc
Power 90bhp
Top speed 141mph
Insurance group 12

After the (hugely popular) old Fazer 600 failed to meet new EU emissions laws in 2003, Yamaha came up with this new alternative and it slots perfectly into the modern market. The Yamaha FZ6 Fazer looks sharp, has a brilliant motor, excellent handling and offers huge versatility. Towns, twisties and long treks… it can do it all. A great all-rounder.

Engine: The new Yamaha FZ6 Fazer’s driven by a detuned R6 engine. Predictably, it offers plenty of powerful acceleration but has loads left at the top end: a little more detuning could boost the midrange a bit. The Yamaha FZ6 Fazer needs revving to hell and back to make it fully come to life but then since when was that a major disadvantage? Updated FZ62 version was introduced in 2007 with improved fuelling.

Ride And Handling: The Yamaha FZ6 Fazer’s handling is spot on due to a great new chassis, fat tyres, wide bars and good suspension (despite limited adjustment potential), giving the rider loads of feedback. The R6-derived brakes work well too. A heavy clutch, considerable play on the throttle and a need to work that (rather clunky) gearbox endlessly are a few, relatively minor, niggles. As is slightly snatchy fuel injection, although this was mostly sorted with the 2007 FZ62 version.

Equipment: Well, the Yamaha FZ6 Fazer certainly looks the part. Aggressive styling with R1-style lights sets it off. There’s an underseat exhaust (housing that all-important catalytic converter), the fairing works and a centrestand comes as standard. On the Yamaha FZ6 Fazer’s dash there’s a digital speedo, analogue rev counter plus a fuel gauge. The ergonomics seem to miraculously accommodate riders of all shapes and sizes in comfort.

Quality And Reliability: With that engine and those brakes having been tried and tested on the R6, there’s not much to worry about there. Meanwhile, the build quality of the new Yamaha FZ6 Fazer’s chassis and other bits and pieces look top notch when new, but slacking with the polish could mean unwanted, premature corrosion…

Value: Not bad at all. The Yamaha FZ6 Fazer’s well put together and performs in all sorts of situations. It’s old rival, the Suzuki Bandit, is left behind with its antique styling and carburettors, while their SV650 is probably the main threat (and it’s a lot cheaper). Honda’s CBF600S just doesn’t have half the entertainment value. The Yamaha FZ6 Fazer offers plenty of motorcycle for the money.

Model History: 1998: Yamaha FZS600 Fazer first launched, taking the engine from Yamaha’s Thundercat.
2000: Yamaha FZS600 gets a new seat and a bigger fuel tank.
2002: Then it got a new fairing, bigger tank, new instrument panel and a stainless steel exhaust. Discontinued in 2003.
2003: Yamaha FZ6 Fazer introduced after the demise of the original Fazer.
2004: Virtually identical, but unfaired, Yamaha FZ6 launched.
2005: Naked FZ6 plummets in price to compete with Suzuki Bandit.
2006: ABS version of the faired Fazer now available.
2007: Yamaha FZ62 Fazer launched with improved fuelling and detail modifications.

Other Versions: Yamaha FZ6: unfaired version of Fazer. Identical engine and chassis but slightly smaller and wider than the faired motorcycleand it weighs 6kg less. Oh, and its cheaper. Without that fairing, it’s better suited to town/short rides.

This article was taken from: Motorcycle News

Honda’s acclaimed CBR600RR has again been crowned the World Supersport champion for the seventh consecutive year.

The Ten Kate Honda team, with rider Andrew Pitt, again clinched the championship title at the French circuit of Magny-Cours last weekend. The 32-year-old Australian rider said, I’m overjoyed to win the title for Honda and to keep their amazing run of championships going.

The CBR600RR has also achieved glory in the UK as the machine has won nine of the last 17 British Supersport titles, most recently with British racing star, Cal Crutchlow, in 2006.

Today’s 2008 model of the CBR600RR is the latest in a 21 year history of CBR600s, stretching back to the first CBR600F which was launched in 1987. The number of CBR600s sold worldwide since 1987 is over half a million, making it one of the most successful sportsbikes ever and the most successful middleweight sportsbike in the world. In the UK today, there are almost 50,000 new and used CBR600s.

The secret behind the CBR’s ever-lasting appeal is that it means so much to so many riders, offering a mixture of fun, excitement, practicality and the utter dependability you only get with a Honda, as well as having superb handling suitable for riders of all abilities. The CBR600RR is also at the cutting-edge of development in safety for road riding with the 2009 CBR600RR featuring an electronically-controlled Combined ABS system as an optional extra - the first time an advanced braking system has ever featured on a super sports bike. The 2008 CBR600RR retails at £7,503 OTR with the 2009 model price to be announced in the near future.

For further information about Honda’s great range of scooters and motorcycles, visit honda.co.uk, or visit your local dealer. Honda motorcycle dealers can be located using the ‘Dealer Search’ facility within the motorcycles area of honda.co.uk, where you can also find all the latest news and information, offers, genuine parts and accessories and forthcoming events.

This article was taken form: easier.com

Suzuki has just released the first official picture of the all-new 2009 GSX-R1000.

The key change is an all new engine that is 59mm shorter than the outgoing K7/K8 model, allowing a longer swingarm, though the wheelbase is 10mm shorter at 1405mm.

The changes have been made to ‘increase agility and race track performance’ according to Suzuki. Compression is higher according to Suzuki, but Suzuki declined to release further information.

Showa’s Big-Piston forks (as seen on Honda BSB bikes and the new Kawasaki ZX-6R) have fewer internal components and have a lower oil pressure than conventional forks, giving smoother action.

A new shock with high and low-speed compression damping matches the new forks. New Tokico four-piston radial calipers are also used.

This picture was taken from: Motorcycle News